Back analysis of shear strength parameters for progressive landslides: case study of the Caifengyan landslide, China

The determination of shear strength parameters is a key issue in landslide treatment, and inappropriate parameter determination often leads to the failure of countermeasures against landslides. However, it is difficult to accurately determine these parameters due to the complex geological conditions and different failure models. In this study, the recommended values of the slip surface shear strength parameters for the different material compositions of a typical progressive landslide are determined using reliability methods by considering the thrust from the rear of the landslide for the first time. The reliability back analysis results and the progressive failure process of the landslide are verified via a numerical simulation. This reliability back analysis method provides an effective reference for parameter determination for similar landslides and can be applied to other types of landslides.